QUOTE (KillerMax @ Sep 16 2008, 03:56 PM) 
Who wants to bet Emerson will take his place? 
If Carlo announces that before the game... he won't make it until kick-off!
Full Version: Pirlo
If Carlo announces that before the game... he won't make it until kick-off!
Sadly, that's already what the Italian press are projecting.
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ Sep 16 2008, 04:17 PM)
I cant really imagine Carlo throwing a boot at Pirlo 
I can't imagine either. could it be that they want to respectfully drop Pirlo for a couple of games but fear things will get only worse, so they say he can't play due to injury? I mean, from now on every wrong decision by Carlo will only make him more unsettled. if he dropped Pirlo just to try something different and we lost the game everyone would blame him for it ("Pirlo is irreplaceable, why did you dropped him, your time is up, get the F out, etc."). apparently fitness coach (or something like that!) was present at that meeting too. maybe he adviced them to rest Pirlo a little bit...
QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 16 2008, 04:19 PM)
Actually the ones set to be benched for physical reasons (so the press reports go this morning) are Shevchenko and Ronaldinho.
Pirlo's been playing with a minor injury for a while, I think -- though it was my understanding it was his knee.
If he's pulled a thigh muscle on top of that, then yeah, he needs rest and recuperation. He certainly hasn't been anywhere near ideal form so far this season.
Pirlo's been playing with a minor injury for a while, I think -- though it was my understanding it was his knee.
If he's pulled a thigh muscle on top of that, then yeah, he needs rest and recuperation. He certainly hasn't been anywhere near ideal form so far this season.
Shevchenko I agree, as he couldn't even make a single shot at Genoa's goal and was poor. Ronaldinho...? I think his problem is fatigue (international games, (?)-hour flight from South America to Milan (also time difference could be a reason)). he can't regain his form if he doesn't play; but for now he just needs sufficient rest I guess. as soon as his fatigue's gone, he can play again. I especially say that because he did good on his debut and poor after international games.
After all maybe Pirlo is really injured. that was just a hypothesis...
QUOTE (dst @ Sep 16 2008, 04:20 PM)
You mean he's on his way out? I doubt it.
Out of Milan?
No! Pirlo hasn't been in his best form, maybe they just want him to rest, but for the reasons I said above, fear things will get worse so they say he has a muscular problem.QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 16 2008, 04:34 PM)
Sadly, that's already what the Italian press are projecting.
Favalli ahead of Antonini, and now Emerson ahead of Cardacio and others? knowing Carlo, that shouldn't have even surprised me...
(If Ronaldinho needs to play to regain his form, should not the same also be true of other players who aren't in good form?)
(Depends. if you mean Pirlo, I think he needs rest instead of more playing time. of course, I can be completely wrong. maybe Ronaldinho needs to be dropped too)
It was about time Pirlo got an injury. Along with Rino, we've worked them like mules over the past 3 seasons. Kaka was injured, and finally managed to get some time off.
I would personally like to see Cardaccio get a start, but like you guys mentioned, I'm expecting to see a middle three of ...
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
I would personally like to see Cardaccio get a start, but like you guys mentioned, I'm expecting to see a middle three of ...
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Sep 16 2008, 05:14 PM)
I would personally like to see Cardaccio get a start, but like you guys mentioned, I'm expecting to see a middle three of ...
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
No problem with Ambro and Flattuso, but Emerson... *pukes all over the place*
^^
Don't mix your drinks bro...not good for the stomach.
Don't mix your drinks bro...not good for the stomach.
(I'm glad you don't have a smiley for that, zd. And...PLEASE don't go looking for one!)
QUOTE (Tennie @ Sep 16 2008, 05:26 PM)
(I'm glad you don't have a smiley for that, zd. And...PLEASE don't go looking for one!)
As a matter of fact, I do have one
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Sep 16 2008, 04:44 PM)
It was about time Pirlo got an injury. Along with Rino, we've worked them like mules over the past 3 seasons. Kaka was injured, and finally managed to get some time off.
You think he was faking it?
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ Sep 16 2008, 04:59 PM)
As a matter of fact, I do have one
Of course you do!
Emerson...is still alive...?
Seriously, if Emo plays i will boycott watching all games till the end of the season. Same goes for Favalli. If Carlo does play any one of these two, he looses a supporter of him
Seriously, if Emo plays i will boycott watching all games till the end of the season. Same goes for Favalli. If Carlo does play any one of these two, he looses a supporter of him
I don't think either one should start. Have no problem if we're 3-0 up and there's 15 minutes left and THEN they're sent on.
Sadly, not sure Carletto thinks that way.
Sadly, not sure Carletto thinks that way.
Pirlo is injured!
Right guys, I think we'll actually not get any points till after he recovers.
Pirlo is the guy who everyone looks for straight away when they get possession of the ball. And he is our pace maker. Who will they pass to now? Kaka or Ronaldinho? If so, they will have to drop back a considerable distance and thus probably lose the ball as they are getting marked out every game by at least 2 players.
Pirlo is our fulcrum, without him, we are a flop of a team.
Right guys, I think we'll actually not get any points till after he recovers.
Pirlo is the guy who everyone looks for straight away when they get possession of the ball. And he is our pace maker. Who will they pass to now? Kaka or Ronaldinho? If so, they will have to drop back a considerable distance and thus probably lose the ball as they are getting marked out every game by at least 2 players.
Pirlo is our fulcrum, without him, we are a flop of a team.
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Sep 16 2008, 04:44 PM)
It was about time Pirlo got an injury. Along with Rino, we've worked them like mules over the past 3 seasons. Kaka was injured, and finally managed to get some time off.
I would personally like to see Cardaccio get a start, but like you guys mentioned, I'm expecting to see a middle three of ...
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
I would personally like to see Cardaccio get a start, but like you guys mentioned, I'm expecting to see a middle three of ...
Ambro---Matthieu---Emerson
Milan and Italy depend so much on Pirlo, it isn't even a joke! No matter what people think of him, he remains on the pitch and a first team player for both team and country.
Now that that is out of the way ... Carlo will seriously be tested to field a lneup without Pirlo, and I am very curious to see how he deals with it.
He should go with this:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini Ambrosini Seedorf/Ronaldinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
4-3-1-2
but Carlo will go with:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Senderos Kaladze Favalli
Flamini Emerson Ambrosini
Kaka Ronaldinho
Sheva
Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini Ambrosini Seedorf/Ronaldinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
4-3-1-2
but Carlo will go with:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Senderos Kaladze Favalli
Flamini Emerson Ambrosini
Kaka Ronaldinho
Sheva
I really wanna see what formation he'll use now that Pirlo's out..He depends too much..Pirlo played almost every game last season if not b/c of suspension or little injury..
QUOTE (Darunia @ Sep 16 2008, 05:20 PM)
He should go with this:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini Ambrosini Seedorf/Ronaldinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
4-3-1-2
but Carlo will go with:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Senderos Kaladze Favalli
Flamini Emerson Ambrosini
Kaka Ronaldinho
Sheva
Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini Ambrosini Seedorf/Ronaldinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
4-3-1-2
but Carlo will go with:
Abbiati
Zambrotta Senderos Kaladze Favalli
Flamini Emerson Ambrosini
Kaka Ronaldinho
Sheva
It would be interesting to see Ronaldinho playing that deep, I know I've seen him play as a central midfielder for Brazil a couple of times. And he's probably the only one on the team that can come even close to Pirlo in terms of passing technique.
Still would only prefer 1 defensive mid in the middle though, Maybe we could play more of a diamond where both R10 and Seedorf go wider and Flamini acting as the classic defensive mid that sits in front of defence, winning the ball and releasing it quickly to R10 or Seedorf. Something like this
Abbiati
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini
Seedorf--------------Dinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
Zambrotta Bonera Senderos Jankulovski
Flamini
Seedorf--------------Dinho
Kaka
Pato Borriello
QUOTE (gal_kenny @ Sep 16 2008, 05:29 PM)
I really wanna see what formation he'll use now that Pirlo's out..He depends too much..Pirlo played almost every game last season if not b/c of suspension or little injury..
Truw IIRC he played the most minutes last season out of everyone on the team, even more then the GK. If I'm wrong about this he's definately in the top 3, when it comes to minutes played
Looks like Gattuso is returning. I think Carlo would love something like this:
4-4-1-1 (like 2006-07):
4-4-1-1 (like 2006-07):
Shevchenko
Kaka
Flamini - Gattuso - Emerson - Ambrosini
Favalli ---- Maldini ---- Kaladze ---- Zambrotta
Abbiati
Kaka
Flamini - Gattuso - Emerson - Ambrosini
Favalli ---- Maldini ---- Kaladze ---- Zambrotta
Abbiati
4 DMs, that'd be a new low, even for Carlo.
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Sep 16 2008, 09:14 PM)
4 DMs, that'd be a new low, even for Carlo.
you think? i think when he sleeps he dreams of something like this:
Shevchenko
Kaka
Flamini - Gattuso - Pirlo - Brocchi
Favalli ---- Ambrosini ---- Kaladze ---- bonera
Emerson
Kaka
Flamini - Gattuso - Pirlo - Brocchi
Favalli ---- Ambrosini ---- Kaladze ---- bonera
Emerson
TBH i dont believe he is injured we are giving him rest and i think a 4-2-2-2 will be tried something like gal_kenny mentioned above
QUOTE (dst @ Sep 16 2008, 08:57 PM)
You think he was faking it?
VS
Is that even a question?
Oh, my! Jack, you've outdone yourself this time!
omg jack hahahahahaha my gosh. AGree with acid, you have outdone yourself this time. Carlo and galliani are both obese too hahahahah.
Dear god!
He's really injured himself... badly.
Good translates: a complex muscle injury | he will be out for 45-60 days ()
Now we have to seriously reconsider the formation and lineup and please, Carlo, no "we didn't have Pirlo" excuses. if we keep playing bad for two months, we'll be struggling to reach the CL again. certainly Emerson won't do it. I say either Cardacio or Seedorf.
He's really injured himself... badly.
QUOTE
A.C.MILAN COMUNICATO UFFICIALE
19/09/2008
Il calciatore Andrea Pirlo è stato sottoposto oggi a Milano a esame ecografico che ha evidenziato una complessa lesione muscolare di secondo grado al bicipite femorale della coscia destra.
I tempi di recupero si valutano intorno ai 45/60 giorni.
19/09/2008
Il calciatore Andrea Pirlo è stato sottoposto oggi a Milano a esame ecografico che ha evidenziato una complessa lesione muscolare di secondo grado al bicipite femorale della coscia destra.
I tempi di recupero si valutano intorno ai 45/60 giorni.
Good translates: a complex muscle injury | he will be out for 45-60 days (
) Now we have to seriously reconsider the formation and lineup and please, Carlo, no "we didn't have Pirlo" excuses. if we keep playing bad for two months, we'll be struggling to reach the CL again. certainly Emerson won't do it. I say either Cardacio or Seedorf.
Blog: Pirlo problem?
Are the batteries wearing down at Milan? Dave Taylor thinks so and feels Andrea Pirlo needs to get out of the spotlight to recharge his
Milan have struggled so far this season and that’s likely to continue unless someone starts switching the lights on and grabs games by the scruff of the neck. In the past that player has been Andrea Pirlo, but the midfielder – like the rest of the team – looks sluggish.
The former Inter flop certainly isn’t the player he used to be and seems to be overly weary, something he was complaining about even before this summer’s exertions in the European Championship, when he really should have had his feet up.
He always seems to play in whatever match it is and surely this cannot continue. He needs a rest, he is a shadow of his earlier days, but the big problem is who can replace him with the Rossoneri or the Azzurri for that matter?
On the international stage, perhaps Alberto Aquilani is the answer, but he is not even guaranteed a first team game with Roma. Marcello Lippi saw the same Pirlo as I did against Georgia and replaced him with Angelo Palombo, but he doesn’t have as much class as Riverino.
Sadly Pirlo has the look of a tired fox hunted into the ground at night, caught in the spotlight, frightened, frail and frequently hiding. He is struggling to come to terms with the new system that Coach Carlo Ancelotti has imposed on them this term and there is even more pressure on the midfield after their losing start.
Pirlo is or at least was the axis on which the Rossoneri use to swing and under normal circumstances he would be one of the deep lying midfielders, but should Carlo try Mathieu Flamini and Max Ambrosini for the time being in a 4-2-3-1?
Let me stress that I have nothing against Pirlo, who on his day, which are becoming less frequent, is surely one of the best midfielders in Europe. But he needs to start performing because his club and his country just can’t afford to carry him any longer.
Link
Are the batteries wearing down at Milan? Dave Taylor thinks so and feels Andrea Pirlo needs to get out of the spotlight to recharge his
Milan have struggled so far this season and that’s likely to continue unless someone starts switching the lights on and grabs games by the scruff of the neck. In the past that player has been Andrea Pirlo, but the midfielder – like the rest of the team – looks sluggish.
The former Inter flop certainly isn’t the player he used to be and seems to be overly weary, something he was complaining about even before this summer’s exertions in the European Championship, when he really should have had his feet up.
He always seems to play in whatever match it is and surely this cannot continue. He needs a rest, he is a shadow of his earlier days, but the big problem is who can replace him with the Rossoneri or the Azzurri for that matter?
On the international stage, perhaps Alberto Aquilani is the answer, but he is not even guaranteed a first team game with Roma. Marcello Lippi saw the same Pirlo as I did against Georgia and replaced him with Angelo Palombo, but he doesn’t have as much class as Riverino.
Sadly Pirlo has the look of a tired fox hunted into the ground at night, caught in the spotlight, frightened, frail and frequently hiding. He is struggling to come to terms with the new system that Coach Carlo Ancelotti has imposed on them this term and there is even more pressure on the midfield after their losing start.
Pirlo is or at least was the axis on which the Rossoneri use to swing and under normal circumstances he would be one of the deep lying midfielders, but should Carlo try Mathieu Flamini and Max Ambrosini for the time being in a 4-2-3-1?
Let me stress that I have nothing against Pirlo, who on his day, which are becoming less frequent, is surely one of the best midfielders in Europe. But he needs to start performing because his club and his country just can’t afford to carry him any longer.
Link
I feel sorry for Pirlo, but this may be a good thing for everyone. Pirlo has been overworked for seasons and is extremely tired and fatigued. Two months out gives him time to rest and recuperate. Secondly it may open up a chance for Cardacio and other players or a formation change. 4-2-3-1 will be more effective with 2 pure DM's, but i do prefer the Cardacio option more
QUOTE (Mook @ Sep 19 2008, 09:43 PM)
Let me stress that I have nothing against Pirlo, who on his day, which are becoming less frequent, is surely one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Nice disclaimer.
Yes losing Pirlo does open the way for the 4-2-3-1 formation, but will Carlo use it? I don't really see it happening. Carlo will continue to insist on the 4-3-2-1 of 4-3-1-2 formations, he doesn't like change, he's not an adventurous person, it will take years before he switches systems because that's the kind of guy he is.
Only problem is with those 2 systems is that they only work if Pirlo is playing. Those 2 systems are built around Pirlo, playing in the middle and pulling the strings. What Carlo will do is play another defensive mdfielder in Pirlo's place. And either push Seedorf back or just play with 3 defensive mids in the midfield, his personal wet dream
The only way we'll actually start to win this season is if Carlo gets some balls and re invents a new system that is not so heavily reliant on Pirlo, that would be a 4-2-3-1 formation, but will he do it? Personally I don't see it happening unless it's a last ditch effort to save his job, and even then it would be a half @ssed try because it hasn't been practiced enough.
Only problem is with those 2 systems is that they only work if Pirlo is playing. Those 2 systems are built around Pirlo, playing in the middle and pulling the strings. What Carlo will do is play another defensive mdfielder in Pirlo's place. And either push Seedorf back or just play with 3 defensive mids in the midfield, his personal wet dream
The only way we'll actually start to win this season is if Carlo gets some balls and re invents a new system that is not so heavily reliant on Pirlo, that would be a 4-2-3-1 formation, but will he do it? Personally I don't see it happening unless it's a last ditch effort to save his job, and even then it would be a half @ssed try because it hasn't been practiced enough.
If Carlo opts for the same line-up as against Zurich (with Borriello in Sheva's place) we will be fine, that's the best formation anyway...
Pirlo gave a brief interview today before training. (my translation done rather quickly; sorry for any errors)
Andrea, do you think you'll play Sunday agains Chievo?
- It's perhaps a little early. This week I've been training with the team, we'll see how it goes on a day by day basis. Sunday will be two months since my injury, some time has passed and I hope to return as soon as possible because I really want to play. Watching the games at the stadium and following my teammates in training, from afar, is hard. I hope to speed up my return.
What do you think of the results of the team so far?
- They're doing really well, I'm happy that the team has gotten these results. We're getting to the bey period of the championship and I hope to be able to contribute. We want to win the championship, it's the principal objective of the season and there's a lot of motivation, you can see it in the team when they go onto the pitch to get results. We're even getting results away from home, the game play is improving and there's a good chance of continuing like this in the league.
Without you the midfield has found various solutions
- Those who have played have done well. If there are alternatives in a role, it's good for the players to play their best (fishdoll note: not sure of the translation of this sentence). When I return I hope to give my contribution as I've always done and hope to do well as the others have.
Andrea, do you think you'll play Sunday agains Chievo?
- It's perhaps a little early. This week I've been training with the team, we'll see how it goes on a day by day basis. Sunday will be two months since my injury, some time has passed and I hope to return as soon as possible because I really want to play. Watching the games at the stadium and following my teammates in training, from afar, is hard. I hope to speed up my return.
What do you think of the results of the team so far?
- They're doing really well, I'm happy that the team has gotten these results. We're getting to the bey period of the championship and I hope to be able to contribute. We want to win the championship, it's the principal objective of the season and there's a lot of motivation, you can see it in the team when they go onto the pitch to get results. We're even getting results away from home, the game play is improving and there's a good chance of continuing like this in the league.
Without you the midfield has found various solutions
- Those who have played have done well. If there are alternatives in a role, it's good for the players to play their best (fishdoll note: not sure of the translation of this sentence). When I return I hope to give my contribution as I've always done and hope to do well as the others have.
My eyes are tearing...I think I'm going to cry now... 
He's back!! My hero...my samurai...my epitome of bushido...my Andy P.... 
He's back!! My hero...my samurai...my epitome of bushido...my Andy P....
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Nov 14 2008, 10:47 AM)
My eyes are tearing...I think I'm going to cry now... He's back!! My hero...my samurai...my epitome of bushido...my Andy P....
Welcome back, Captain. Nice to see you, um, still alive.
Is it safe to assume that you will be posting more often now that your hero is back in the midfield?
Does that mean Captain likes Milan only because of Andy P? he wasn't around much when Andy P wasn't playing 
What're you talking about? I've made it obvious that I like Milan coz of Favalli....and erm MizNelson...
Oh I forgot about Favalli... my mistake
Pirlo blames lazy Milan Sunday 7 December, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrea Pirlo added to the tension at Milan by accusing his teammates of not providing enough movement off the ball.
The Rossoneri have been struggling badly of late with draws at Lecce, Torino and Portsmouth before two straight defeats against Palermo and Lazio.
Ironically, the team had been performing better when star midfielder Pirlo was out injured, but the World Cup winner insists his return after a two-month lay-off is not to blame for the downturn.
“I don't think I am the problem in this team. I know that some people say that is the case, but I don't believe them and continue on my path,” he told Milan Channel.
“Unfortunately I am not 100 per cent fit yet, but when I am on form I will give my all, as always.”
Pirlo identifies the issues affecting the Rossoneri in the attitude and work rate of his teammates.
“It is easier for me to play when the two fullbacks push forward a great deal. If they wait for the ball, then it becomes difficult for me.
“For example, when we played away to Palermo, I was able to give [Alexandre] Pato the chance to open the scoring because he moved off the ball.”
Pirlo won't be able to prove that theory this afternoon, as he is one of many Milan players injured for the match with Catania.
Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Massimo Ambrosini, Marco Borriello, Daniele Bonera and Alessandro Nesta are also out of action.
Pato will need a late fitness test to see if he can play after bruising his ribs in that game in Sicily.
channel4.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrea Pirlo added to the tension at Milan by accusing his teammates of not providing enough movement off the ball.
The Rossoneri have been struggling badly of late with draws at Lecce, Torino and Portsmouth before two straight defeats against Palermo and Lazio.
Ironically, the team had been performing better when star midfielder Pirlo was out injured, but the World Cup winner insists his return after a two-month lay-off is not to blame for the downturn.
“I don't think I am the problem in this team. I know that some people say that is the case, but I don't believe them and continue on my path,” he told Milan Channel.
“Unfortunately I am not 100 per cent fit yet, but when I am on form I will give my all, as always.”
Pirlo identifies the issues affecting the Rossoneri in the attitude and work rate of his teammates.
“It is easier for me to play when the two fullbacks push forward a great deal. If they wait for the ball, then it becomes difficult for me.
“For example, when we played away to Palermo, I was able to give [Alexandre] Pato the chance to open the scoring because he moved off the ball.”
Pirlo won't be able to prove that theory this afternoon, as he is one of many Milan players injured for the match with Catania.
Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Massimo Ambrosini, Marco Borriello, Daniele Bonera and Alessandro Nesta are also out of action.
Pato will need a late fitness test to see if he can play after bruising his ribs in that game in Sicily.
channel4.com
To me Pirlo just summed up our problems, we're just too lazy to move off the ball. why? cuz our players are old.
They lack the sense of urgency as young players. I mean Milan is the kind of team where they'll let you play your football. This is due to zonal marking or zonal defence. We rarely use pressuring or (occasionally) "containing" as defence tactic. Hence, a lot of space is given to our opponents.
Furthermore, our counter-attack is rather slow, I mean yes we've got world-class players, but if we aren't quick enough to punish the opponents on counter-attack, there's no real point of having them there if they can't run fast. Over the years, it's always been Kaka' who does the "counter-attack". I mean him alone.
They lack the sense of urgency as young players. I mean Milan is the kind of team where they'll let you play your football. This is due to zonal marking or zonal defence. We rarely use pressuring or (occasionally) "containing" as defence tactic. Hence, a lot of space is given to our opponents.
Furthermore, our counter-attack is rather slow, I mean yes we've got world-class players, but if we aren't quick enough to punish the opponents on counter-attack, there's no real point of having them there if they can't run fast. Over the years, it's always been Kaka' who does the "counter-attack". I mean him alone.
I think it's Carlo''s fault. It's either that he does not want the players to move too much off the ball for whatever reason or that he cannot make them do it... either way it's not working.
Or perhaps we're just too old? Or everyone is getting in each others way (particularly Kaká and Ronaldinho)?
Perhaps it's everything combined into one big mess?!
Specially for our resident pirate.....
(from fifa.com)
(from fifa.com)
QUOTE
Pirlo: I have all I need here
Despite not yet having turned 30, Andrea Pirlo is very much a Serie A stalwart. Il Architetto - the architect, as he is known - has made 303 appearances in Italy's top flight, including no fewer than 213 for AC Milan, as well as playing in 77 UEFA Champions League matches.
He made his debut at the tender age of 16 for Brescia on 21 May 1995, and moved on to Inter Milan and Reggina before settling with AC Milan, for whom he has been plying his trade since 2001.
Over the past seven seasons, Pirlo has built up the kind of trophy cabinet that most players can only dream of. On the domestic front, he has won the FIFA Club World Cup (in 2007), two UEFA Champions Leagues (2003 and 2007), two European Supercups (2003 and 2007), a Scudetto (2004), an Italian Supercup (2004) and to round it off, the Italian Cup in 2003. On the international front. Pirlo first represented his country at U-15 level and since then has gone on to win the FIFA World Cup™ in 2006, the European U-21 championship in 2000 and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. FIFA.com caught up with the Italian legend at the famous Milanello training centre.
You played your first ever Serie A match when you were 16 years and two days old. What do you remember about your debut?
It was a very emotional moment. I didn't feel under any particular pressure because I knew that there would be other matches. Making a name for yourself in clubs who give youth a chance or who are in mid-table is important for a young player. It means that you can play regularly and get some absolutely invaluable experience at that age.
You were an attacking midfielder when you started out, but then Carlo Mazzone and Carlo Ancelotti began to play you further back. How did this change of position affect your career?
I loved playing there. I already used to track back to go and get the ball, so it was easy to adapt. It means that I am right at the heart of what's going on. When I look back now, I realise that I owe everything to Carlo Mazzone and Carlo Ancelotti, the two most important coaches that I've ever had. Under Ancelotti I got right into the role straight away because he trusted me even though he had more experienced players available to him.
You have won a Scudetto, two UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Supercups, a FIFA Club World Cup... After so much club success, what more can you possibly get out of football?
I want to win other trophies. Football is a sport where you always need to have fun, improve and win things. There are titles up for grabs every year, and it's up to us to go out and win them. At Milan I really feel at home at what is the most important club in the world, so I have no desire to go and try out different experiences as I've got all that I need here.
What are the fundamental differences between AC and Inter Milan?
When I was at Inter (1998-1999 and then 2000 - January 2001), it was a club that was searching for its identity. There were a lot of comings and goings and in particular a number of coaches who were relieved of their duties. AC Milan on the other hand has always been a model club in terms of success and also the way it is organised. When I was at Inter, they weren't ready to be on the same level as AC Milan.
Moving on to Italy now. How do you think that the Squadra Azzurra has performed so far in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
We've got off to a very good start with some important wins. We're currently top of the group and we're looking to stay there to make sure that we qualify directly for South Africa.
What are the differences between the team under Marcello Lippi in 2006 and since he came back in 2008?
The squad in 2006 was a great team made up of players who had proven themselves at the highest level. The team hoping to qualify for 2010 has more players who are journeying into the unknown. You can't really judge the current team yet as it's just building up and starting to show its potential, due in no small part to the enthusiasm that the return of Lippi has created. We need to have the same desire we had in 2006 and above all the same aims, particularly as we all want to put the failure of the last EURO behind us.
What is your secret to all the goals you score from free-kicks?
I've always watched video cassettes of the all-time greats, and then I was lucky enough to play alongside one - Roberto Baggio - who gave me some excellent advice. Finally, there is some natural talent in there and a lot of work obviously goes into it during training sessions.
What is your opinion of football today?
It has changed a lot. All the teams are well organised and competitive these days. There aren't any weaker teams any more and you don't get five or six-goal wins every week as was the case a few years ago. We need to be focussed and give 100 per cent all the time, otherwise we could be in for a surprise.
You come across as someone who is very serious. What is the real Andrea Pirlo like?
I like to have a laugh, enjoy myself and tease other people. Those who don't know me very well don't realise this - either they haven't got to know me well enough or I haven't yet got round to trusting them. With time, they get to find out what I'm really like (to which an AC Milan executive adds with a smile "crazy"). Here at AC Milan though, Gennaro Gattuso is obviously the real joker in the pack.
What hobbies do you have?
I like spending time with my family, with my wife and kids. When I go away for training camps though, I play football video games with Alessandro Nesta. I always play as AC Milan and Nesta picks another team. But the real Pirlo can't be imitated, even on a game console (laughs).
Is there anything else you particularly want to talk about?
I'm sorry, I'm not much of a talker...I already feel like I've been talking too much (laughs).
Despite not yet having turned 30, Andrea Pirlo is very much a Serie A stalwart. Il Architetto - the architect, as he is known - has made 303 appearances in Italy's top flight, including no fewer than 213 for AC Milan, as well as playing in 77 UEFA Champions League matches.
He made his debut at the tender age of 16 for Brescia on 21 May 1995, and moved on to Inter Milan and Reggina before settling with AC Milan, for whom he has been plying his trade since 2001.
Over the past seven seasons, Pirlo has built up the kind of trophy cabinet that most players can only dream of. On the domestic front, he has won the FIFA Club World Cup (in 2007), two UEFA Champions Leagues (2003 and 2007), two European Supercups (2003 and 2007), a Scudetto (2004), an Italian Supercup (2004) and to round it off, the Italian Cup in 2003. On the international front. Pirlo first represented his country at U-15 level and since then has gone on to win the FIFA World Cup™ in 2006, the European U-21 championship in 2000 and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. FIFA.com caught up with the Italian legend at the famous Milanello training centre.
You played your first ever Serie A match when you were 16 years and two days old. What do you remember about your debut?
It was a very emotional moment. I didn't feel under any particular pressure because I knew that there would be other matches. Making a name for yourself in clubs who give youth a chance or who are in mid-table is important for a young player. It means that you can play regularly and get some absolutely invaluable experience at that age.
You were an attacking midfielder when you started out, but then Carlo Mazzone and Carlo Ancelotti began to play you further back. How did this change of position affect your career?
I loved playing there. I already used to track back to go and get the ball, so it was easy to adapt. It means that I am right at the heart of what's going on. When I look back now, I realise that I owe everything to Carlo Mazzone and Carlo Ancelotti, the two most important coaches that I've ever had. Under Ancelotti I got right into the role straight away because he trusted me even though he had more experienced players available to him.
You have won a Scudetto, two UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Supercups, a FIFA Club World Cup... After so much club success, what more can you possibly get out of football?
I want to win other trophies. Football is a sport where you always need to have fun, improve and win things. There are titles up for grabs every year, and it's up to us to go out and win them. At Milan I really feel at home at what is the most important club in the world, so I have no desire to go and try out different experiences as I've got all that I need here.
What are the fundamental differences between AC and Inter Milan?
When I was at Inter (1998-1999 and then 2000 - January 2001), it was a club that was searching for its identity. There were a lot of comings and goings and in particular a number of coaches who were relieved of their duties. AC Milan on the other hand has always been a model club in terms of success and also the way it is organised. When I was at Inter, they weren't ready to be on the same level as AC Milan.
Moving on to Italy now. How do you think that the Squadra Azzurra has performed so far in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
We've got off to a very good start with some important wins. We're currently top of the group and we're looking to stay there to make sure that we qualify directly for South Africa.
What are the differences between the team under Marcello Lippi in 2006 and since he came back in 2008?
The squad in 2006 was a great team made up of players who had proven themselves at the highest level. The team hoping to qualify for 2010 has more players who are journeying into the unknown. You can't really judge the current team yet as it's just building up and starting to show its potential, due in no small part to the enthusiasm that the return of Lippi has created. We need to have the same desire we had in 2006 and above all the same aims, particularly as we all want to put the failure of the last EURO behind us.
What is your secret to all the goals you score from free-kicks?
I've always watched video cassettes of the all-time greats, and then I was lucky enough to play alongside one - Roberto Baggio - who gave me some excellent advice. Finally, there is some natural talent in there and a lot of work obviously goes into it during training sessions.
What is your opinion of football today?
It has changed a lot. All the teams are well organised and competitive these days. There aren't any weaker teams any more and you don't get five or six-goal wins every week as was the case a few years ago. We need to be focussed and give 100 per cent all the time, otherwise we could be in for a surprise.
You come across as someone who is very serious. What is the real Andrea Pirlo like?
I like to have a laugh, enjoy myself and tease other people. Those who don't know me very well don't realise this - either they haven't got to know me well enough or I haven't yet got round to trusting them. With time, they get to find out what I'm really like (to which an AC Milan executive adds with a smile "crazy"). Here at AC Milan though, Gennaro Gattuso is obviously the real joker in the pack.
What hobbies do you have?
I like spending time with my family, with my wife and kids. When I go away for training camps though, I play football video games with Alessandro Nesta. I always play as AC Milan and Nesta picks another team. But the real Pirlo can't be imitated, even on a game console (laughs).
Is there anything else you particularly want to talk about?
I'm sorry, I'm not much of a talker...I already feel like I've been talking too much (laughs).
Tennie..I love you... Mmmmuuaahh!
Andy P kicks Kung Fu Panda's @ss at awesomeness.
Andy P kicks Kung Fu Panda's @ss at awesomeness.
QUOTE
Il Architetto
First time I hear it. nice nickname!
A journalist was on his way to interview Pirlo a few years back. On the train he saw some graffiti which said "If Baggio is the prince then Pirlo is the king
Yep, the nickname sounds right. Just like Andy P. all way..
Nice interview. Thanks for sharing it!
I'm worried about him. Beckham and Ronaldinho seem to choke Pirlo, and have an "interisation" effect on him. Same happened there - he just sank into a bottomless tank of Inter up's and down's. The amount of players rotating around him isn't sure like in Inter, but...I'm worried. This is one of the players I really like and care, so...
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